The Confessions of a Disney Dad by Greg Smoot

June 14, 2015

Growing up I was an absolute theme park junkie. For as many years as I could remember we had passes for a fairly large park in Mason, Ohio. We moved to Jacksonville, FL when I was twelve so I had no desire to go to Disney. Fast forward sixteen years and all I could think about was when could we take our five and six year old girls to Disney World. Then in no time at all they were tall enough to ride most of the coasters. So, in April 2013 we made the trip and needless to say I was hooked! From that point on I could not get it out of my system so in January of this year we became AP’s.

Morning Show

My family has now been a minimum of at least twenty times since January, so much so that my wife tells me that I love it as much as the girls do. And admittedly….. I DO!!! It has become somewhat of an obsession. Because of this my co- workers give me a hard time for the amount of time we spend at the “World”. This made me think of why I am so obsessed with all things Mouse related.

Minnie and Smoot Girls

The Genie Transportation Services

It’s the “Magic”. I know it sounds cliché but let me explain. Disney is the one place that we can go where nothing else matters but us. No worries, no stress, no expectations, and the list goes’ on. With all of the pressures of life, “home” is where I can unwind and just enjoy the magic. This disconnect is what brings me back time and again. The best memories I have of spending time with my dad, as a kid, centered around when we went on vacation. We all need that special place or time in our lives. For some it’s the beach, fishing, traveling, etc. but for me it’s DISNEY WORLD!!!

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Michele Atwood Founder & Editor-in-Chief, The Main Street Mouse
Michele Atwood is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Main Street Mouse, one of Florida's leading Disney and theme park news sources since 2010. A credentialed Disney Partner and media professional, Michele serves as a theme park contributor and insider for Fox 35 Orlando and WDBO radio covering Disney and Central Florida attractions. Michele has also contributed to the Orlando Sentinel, WESH 2, and Spectrum News 13. Michele is the published author of four books — "Moving to Main Street U.S.A.," "How Many Sleeps Till Disney?," "How Many Sleeps Till Disneyland?" and "Daydream Believing: Confessions of a Grown Up Princess" and is co-owner of the House of Mouse Expo and Lost Princess Apparel. With over a decade of hands-on coverage of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and Central Florida theme parks, Michele brings firsthand expertise and media access to every story she covers. Get my new book here! https://amzn.to/4oNqlBg



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